The BEVA has revamped its online medicines guidance resource to help members to negotiate the intricacies of prescribing equine medicines and to use the Cascade accurately.

Compliance with equine medicines legislation involves the challenges of food production, equine passport and essential medicines legislation as well as the prescribing Cascade, VMD guidance and the RCVS practice standards scheme.

With these in mind, the online guidance now includes:

  • BEVA client information leaflets to help members inform clients of potential adverse effects of medicines when using the Cascade.
  • A BEVA branded prescription form to help members comply with RCVS guidance whilst reducing opportunities for prescription fraud.
  • Easy to use explanations of the prescribing cascade in food producing and non-food producing animals including dynamic flow charts to guide members through the decision-making steps.
  • The BEVA emergency treatment form and interactive flowchart for treating horses without a passport.
  • The BEVA award-winning Protect Me toolkit to create a customised protocol for practices to develop responsible antibiotic use guidelines.
  • The BEVA members’ product database to help members share details of suppliers of hard to source medicines.
  • BEVA’s guidance on the use of veterinary specials in equine practice.
  • Links to download BEVA’s formulary app 'BEVA Drugs'

The BEVA says the new medicines guidance resource has already been invaluable for members working towards the new Practice Standards Scheme, such as Josh Slater from the RVC, who said: "The PSS Awards define what a high-functioning equine practice looks like. The BEVA medicines guidance documents enabled us to fulfil the PSS Awards scheme requirements for demonstrating responsible use of medicines and compliance with requirements such as Cascade prescribing and emergency treatment of horses, helping us to achieve our Outstanding rating in the PSS Awards. The resource will be very useful for all equine practices preparing for PSS inspections and continues to be an invaluable day-to-day reference source for us."

The BEVA will also be holding two equine medicine courses in October 2017, providing evidence-based updates on a range of topical issues in equine medicine. The focus will be on recent research with practical relevance and the courses are aimed at clinicians who have attained or are working towards certificate level qualifications. The first will be held in Oulton, Leeds on 10 October and the second in Oxford on 31 October.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.